| Hugh is a Bedrock, Too | |
| Posted by: pierce 02:00 am EST 12/24/21 | |
| In reply to: here 'tis - ryhog 12:03 am EST 12/24/21 | |
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| Everything considered, quite a memorable evening. Director Jerry Zaks gave a brief speech before the curtain went up; he welcomed the audience and gave a special mention shout out to Kathy Voytko, who was subbing for Sutton Foster on short notice. The audience was fully supportive and even gave Voytko her own round of entrance applause. As for the show itself, it's in fine shape for a fourth preview. I'm sure there will be many refinements, but it's got the strong core it needs with Hugh Jackman; he's as compelling a musical performer as ever, and to his credit there isn't a trace of Robert Preston in his performance. Jackman is doing it HIS way. And I have a feeling he's only going to have more fun as he settles into the role. Right now he seems delighted to be on the Winter Garden stage, and his joy is contagious. Shuler Hensley plays Marcellus as a loyal and demonstrative Great Dane, and he and Jackman are a winning combination in their "Sadder But Wiser Girl" duet. Jefferson Mays and (especially) Jayne Houdyshell have amusing moments as Mayor Shinn and his wife, Marie Mullen is suitably warm as Mrs. Paroo and Benjamin Pajak is a likeable but not grating Winthrop. Gino Cosculluela and Emma Crow are terrific as Tommy Djilas and Zaneeta. Needless to say, Voytko handled her moment in the spotlight quite well, and her calm professionalism was evident every time she was on stage. Meredith Willson's score is still a particular favorite of mine, and it's nice to hear it played by an orchestra of 24 (give or take). I'm not sure if this Jerry Zaks production will be the grand slam that the 2000 Susan Stroman revival was; it's more like an inside-the-park home run at the moment. But once the company gets the material under its belt and really starts to rip, THE MUSIC MAN could become the hottest ticket in town. |
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